5 minute read
Generate Conference 2021
On May 21st and 22nd the Generate Presbytery gathered at Hope Valley for its conference. It was an exciting time of ministry, praying for each other, worship, sharing stories and being together. The theme of the conference was ‘Because people need Jesus.’ It echoed the heartbeat of Generate which is to see people come to faith, grow as disciples, raise courageous leaders and see churches planted and renewed. Attendees in person and online were encouraged to think about how they share their faith and how they can build a culture of evangelism in their congregations. Around the venue old doors displayed stories of people who have recently come to faith in congregations throughout the presbytery. Each one telling the story of a life changed by Jesus. The keynote speaker was Melinda Dwight who is the National Director for Alpha Australia. She inspired attendees to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as they engage with people in their everyday. That a moment of praying with someone, blessing them or having a faith conversation can be a link in their journey towards Jesus. Masterclasses in the afternoon explored building healthy teams, preaching, starting a kids and youth ministry from scratch, engaging with digital media, and creating a culture of evangelism in your church. On Friday Pastors from across Generate gathered for lunch in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. It was 14 months since they were able come together in person – an exciting time of reconnection, laughter and food. On Saturday some of the emerging female ministry leaders and pastors shared breakfast and a Q&A session with Melinda. Each session is still available on the Generate Facebook page and the messages will soon be available on the Generate Website.
generate.ucasa.org.au
Gary, a friendly face for South Australian’s doing it tough
Frontier Services Bush Chaplain, Pastor Gary Ferguson is among two other incredible Bush Chaplains in the South Australian region. Bush Chaplains do incredible work with rural and remote communities and Gary has been an equally incredible soul as he continues to support farmers facing hardship. In the midst of this hardship, including a mental health crisis, isolation and loneliness, you will find Gary anywhere between a fishing dock to a shearing shed, lending a kind, helping hand to those who need it the most.
Gary spends time with those in rural and remote areas in South Australia and offers support on a practical, pastoral and spiritual level. In particular, he works with individuals who have experienced PTSD, substance and alcohol abuse and works closely with men’s mental health issues.
Aside from the Bush Chaplaincy network run by Frontier Services, Frontier Services also runs a volunteer program called Outback Links which operates nation-wide. The Outback Links program offers practical support through volunteers whose skillsets match with the desired jobs of those doing it tough and who need help and assistance on the land.
There is something very remarkable about people like Gary who is one of the many people who dedicate themselves to helping others. It means Frontier Services can deliver much more than physical contributions, they can deliver hope, laughter, inspiration and warmth just by showing up and letting our rural and remote friends know, someone cares!
Frontier Services thanks its incredible supporters for allowing them to continue to operate the Bush Chaplaincy network and their volunteer programs. It means that they can continue to have people like Gary in remote areas showing up to the gate, when no-one else does.
Showing up on any given day could mean they could just save a life.
Realisations and Reflections
Pilgrim Uniting Church has just published a new book, ‘Realisations and Reflections: Stories of transformation by members of Pilgrim Uniting Church engaging with Australia’s First Peoples.’ Launched on Reconciliation Sunday, 30th May, as part of their 9.30am service. The project began after the ‘Day of Mourning’ service in January of this year. The Uniting Church in Australia initiated the Day of Mourning in association with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) as an expression of solidarity with Australia’s First Peoples, particularly in the context of current debates about the celebration of Australia Day on 26th January each year. During the 9.30am service at Pilgrim Church, people gathered in small groups to share their experiences about moments in their lives when they became more aware of the lives of Aboriginal people. The diversity and spiritual depth of stories shared was profound. As a result, people were invited to share their stories in written form with the hope of capturing those moments of deep self-disclosure, and to self-publish them as a book of stories.
Geoff Boyce has edited the stories in the book. Profits from the sale of the book will be directed to Covenanting projects with Aboriginal people. Copies are available on lulu.com or via the Pilgrim office, office@pilgrim.org.au, (08) 8212 3295 ($20 plus postage).
Symposium and Workshop
Rev Dr Chris Budden has been invited as guest speaker at a symposium on Friday evening, 2nd July. Chris has a long interest in relationships with First Nations people, and a commitment to more just ways on being the church in this country. Along with a panel, he will discuss Sovereignty and the Statement from the Heart. The venue is Pilgrim Uniting Church. On Saturday 3rd July, Chris and Indigenous leaders will lead a workshop at the Uniting College. This will be a wonderful time of learning and engaging in meaningful dialogue to deepen understanding of why Indigenous Sovereignty should matter to Christians, and to engage with the Statement from the Heart, and to be guided in the practical steps to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.
More information (and registration) on the Pilgrim website pilgrim.org.au
NAIDOC Week Ecumenical Service July 4th
NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 4-11 July 2021 and will begin with an ecumenical service on July 4th, led and coordinated by Aboriginal people. All welcome to be part of this inspiring service, to be held at Pilgrim Uniting Church.
Photos by Ben Searcy
